Josh Ewert
Major:- Environmental studies
- Internship site:
- USDA Forest Service
- Location:
- Petersburg, Alaska
- Position:
- Trail Crew
- Completed internship:
- summer before senior year
- GC graduation year:
- 2007
Interview with Josh
How did you find your internship?
Initially I was completely unsure what I would do for my internship. I applied with the SCA (Student Conservation Association) and they helped me apply to several different positions throughout the West Coast. I was finally interviewed and accepted to work for a summer (three months) on a three-person trail crew located in Petersburg, Alaska through the USDA Forest Service.
I learned about the SCA from my adviser, Dr. Lisa Renee, as well as off of the poster advertisements posted around the science building. I read some of the descriptions, and I said “that is me!”
What were your major responsibilities?
The trail crew I was on performed general maintenance on the trails systems throughout the Petersburg Ranger District. I performed duties such as carrying and replacing plank trail, rerouting trails, constructing foot bridges, constructing trail retaining walls, and lots of brushing (weed whacking) to keep trails clear. Due to this great variety in work, I had opportunities to travel throughout much of the district by floatplane, boat, or truck in order to do the maintenance required on the trails.
What’s an important thing you learned?
The list of benefits that have resulted from my summer internship in Alaska have been rather extensive. Before this summer, I was completely unaware of the different opportunities through the USDA forest service. Once I was working with the forest service, I quickly learned that they work hard at preserving and saving the natural world within the vast national forests, which is something I feel passionate about.
What advice would give to students who are considering or have not yet done an internship?
My only advice to those who are considering internship possibilities is that they take full advantage of the many amazing opportunities that are out there. These opportunities are abundant through many different organizations and are easily obtained for a summer position. It is too good to pass up. I know that my summer internship changed my life, and I will never regret my decision.
What did you most enjoy?
From the second I started working with the people there, I realized that this could be a very interesting job to pursue after graduation, which I am doing. I quickly felt that the work that was being done was important and beneficial to the ecosystems, and I enjoyed being a part of that effort.
